So, I have some questions needing answered and since they are somewhat weight-related thought who better to ask than the great folks on here.

I don't know a whole lot about the thyroid and it's function. Because I have always been overweight, I've had regular bloodwork done to rule out thyroid issues but it's always come up normal.

My husband went in for his routine yearly physical and the two areas of concern were somewhat high cholesterol (hereditary) and low vitamin C levels. The doc ordered more bloodwork to try to figure out the vitamin deficiency and they called yesterday with results - they are sending in a referral to a thyroid specialist. That was really the only explanation the doctor's office gave. Now, my husband is kind of freaking out, his mind automatically going to the "big C". I've tried to reassure him that he's probably just got a hyper or hypo thyroid and the specialist can look at treatments and maybe diet to straighten it out but he's still afraid.

Here are my questions/thoughts: I generally think of thyroid issues in women. Is it unusual in men? My husband does not have a major weight issue - a bit of a belly attributed to beer - but on a large 6'2" frame; what does that mean? What does vitamin C levels have to do with thyroid? His mom has thyroid issues, is it hereditary? What sort of treatments are typically given for hypo/hyper thyroid?

I looked at some of the symptoms/related medical issues and he has several: high cholesterol, anxiety and panic attacks, muscle and joint pain (always attributed to hard warehouse work), insomnia, depression, IBS. It would be wonderful if all of these problems get better with thyroid treatment, but how do you connect all of these seemingly unrelated issues to thyroid? I feel like I'm House, MD right now. lol

Unfortunately, my husband has to wait until he can see the specialist to get answers but maybe some of you can shed some light for us here?

I can only speak to my experiences, but I'd be happy to share that. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid about 25 years ago. Apparently the birth of my first child triggered it. It does seem to be more prevalent with women than men, but definitely not unheard of for men. My mother also had issues, and I understand that if a relative has it you do have a higher chance of having thyroid issues.

My treatment has been relatively simple. After I was diagnosed via a blood test, they did do a radiation test of my thyroid just to check for cancer, etc. All that was fine, so I was placed on a daily dose of medication. I have been taking this medicine since with no issues. I get yearly tests in case the dosage needs to be adjusted due to weightloss or gain, etc and other factors. I never had a lot of symptoms, but when my medication is off I do notice that I am more tired, and it can affect my blood pressure. Anxiety is also higher when my levels are off. But as long as I take my regular medication I have no issues and lead a normal life.

let hubby have his appointment. Hopefully the 'specialist' runs the right tests. You might want to read up on what they were. Also get a copy of the tests current dr ran. See if there are any thyroid tests on there. Most only do tsh but maybe dr did the right ones..

You'd get better 'answers' to those prospective questions on the stop the thyroid madness page...just google...and even if it IS 'the big C' that type (thyroid) is the most often 'cured' (thank goodness). Good research yields high information dividends.